Bumble bees are important pollinators in both natural and agricultural systems. Unfortunately, they are declining worldwide; in Texas, five of our eight documented species have experienced range reductions in other parts of the United States. This program will include information on the natural history of bumble bees, identification of common species in north Texas, ongoing research at the University of North Texas, and ways that individuals can help to conserve these vital resources.

Speaker Bio: Jessica Beckham is currently a Ph.D candidate in environmental science at the University of North Texas. Her research involves an interdisciplinary approach to studying the bumble bees of this great state. She is broadly interested in conserving these native pollinators and finding ways that humans and bumble bees may coexist in an increasingly urbanized world. Her current projects involve evaluating the presence and persistence of bumble bees across northeast Texas and studying the use of urban green spaces by bumble bees in Denton County.